Kings Langley is a large village, situated in
the Gade Valley and is of significant historical interest.
The name "Langley" derives from "Langelei"; a
long meadow or clearing.
Edmund de Langley, the first Duke of York and
fifth son of Edward III, was born in the Royal Palace (built under
the supervision of Eleanor of Castile, wife of Edward I), in 1341.
His tomb and that of his first wife Isabel of Castile is contained
in the very attractive All Saints Church, which in turn is adjacent
to the tranquil Village Garden.
During the Black Death of 1349, the Royal
Palace was used by Edward III as his seat of government. Sadly the
palace is no longer standing.
Until 1935, the village historically held an
important royal prerogative, the right to fly the Royal
Standard.
Today, the village has a population of almost
6,000. It has a thriving High Street with many and varied shops
offering a wide range of goods and services.
Situated in close proximity to the M25, Kings
Langley also has good rail links with London. The Grand Union
canal, which reached the village in 1797, forms the border with
Abbots Langley to the East.
The village has a library, community centre,
primary and seniors schools, two doctors surgeries and a retained
fire station.
On the sports front, the village has an active
bowls club and its cricket and football clubs have recently
completed new modern facilities.
The village also has many community groups and
societies and every June stages the annual carnival on its common.
For many years until his death, Kings Langley was the home of
renowned jazz musician and radio presenter Benny Green.
Accommodation for visitors is available at
Langley Lodge Inn (61 bedrooms) - telephone 01923 263150 and
Rockview Guest House - telephone 01442 247210.
For more information on Kings Langley please
visit the Kings Langley Village website at www.kingslangleyherts.co.uk.